Hindi na ako nagsalita roon. I know my faults and I think that’s the last desperate move I have. Ngayon ay unti-unti ko nang natatanggap na hindi ko na maibabalik pa ang noon. That right now, I am not anymore the rich girl who can just stay idle for the rest of her life. I need to work to earn. I have money but not enough for me to shop and stay idle my whole life.

“What did Tita Relani say to you?” tanong ni Ethan.
“She just concluded that I’m really planning the merge through marriage. Hindi ko naman pakakasalan si Radleigh…”
“Anong tawag mo sa relationship n’yong dalawa? Are you telling me that you two are in a relationship, but are not planning to take it to the next level, Zariyah?” ngayon ay may diin na sa boses ni Ethan.

“It is not new to Radleigh, anyway. Besides, I can just slowly stay away from him right now. If that’s the case, I don’t think it’ll last long. Even his exes are the proofs that it doesn’t last long for him.”
“What exes are you talking about?” tanong ni Ethan.
“Chyna? Mariz Ong? Agatha Valderama? And I’m sure that’s not all?”
“His ex flings, you mean… Ewan ko sa’yo, Zari.”
“Ethan, half of me doesn’t believe in marriage. People cheat in the process of loving someone and I can’t accept that kind of shallow love. Alam kong alam mo ‘yan dahil ikaw mismo nakaranas niyan.”

His jaw clenched at my remark.

“There are still a few men who’re true to his words, Zari.”
Ngumiti ako. “Relani thinks I’m using Radleigh for my vices. She thinks I will bankrupt him. Or I’m going to be a hindrance to his future successes. Maybe she’s right… We don’t know.”
“So what are your plans now?”

Ngumuso ako at naisip na naman ang aking mga plano. It is all for my career… all for myself. Radleigh isn’t included.

Although most of my last memories with her were about our fights, hindi ko rin makakalimutan kung paano siya naging ina sa akin noong mas bata pa ako. I remember how we always ride in first class. We’d always have matching clothes. And I look up to her so much that I used to imitate her moves. Even the way she talks.

“But I need work, Tito. Waiting for the interests from my share will take me years!”
“Naiintindihan ko. But it would be nice if you start your own. Let your money in that company be and work somewhere with people who won’t judge you.”
“Sa Le Viste, Zari? Ethan will welcome you!”
“Nakakahiya na, po. Ethan’s bought half of Daddy’s share. Manghihingi pa po ba ako ng pabor sa kanya? And I’m sure the positions are already filled.”

Uminom ako ng tubig. I don’t know if it is wise to tell them about my plans but I think their opinion would help.

Nanatili ang mga mata nilang dalawa sa akin. Eager to hear about my plans. It made me a little happy that they are actually giving me a chance.

“Papasukin ko ang paghohotel but with a more laid back style. Only a housekeeper, security, and chef will be there. But I will need more attraction aside from the white sand, pristine waters, yacht, jetski, and view. Tutal ay nasimulan na rin naman siyang idevelop ni Daddy noon, gusto ko lang dagdagan ng konti ngayon.”
Umaliwalas ang mukha ni Tita Eliza sa akin. “That’s… that’s good!”
“I just need to establish a better transportation option.”
“Bakit hindi ang chopper, Zari? You should put that as an option! It will be very romantic for honeymooners!” excited na sinabi ni Tita Eliza.
Ngumiti ako. “Pag-iisipan ko pa, po, Tita. Since water and power is available in the island for free, mas malaki ang matitipid ko.”

I told them about my plan. Erasing the pain I’m feeling from what my mind is now considering. No… I won’t resign. Hindi bale na kung isipin nilang sinusubukan ko si Radleigh. I won’t marry him anyway. Even if I resign, they’ll think the same.

“Zari, forgive my intrusion but I just want to know. Are you in a relationship with Radleigh Riego?” si Tito Eugene ang nagtanong.

Napalunok ako roon. I know where this all will go. Pati ako ay hindi alam ang magiging sagot doon. Siguro ay sa relasyon ko kay Radleigh, pinagbibigyan ko lang ang sarili ko. I like him so much that I want to be with him. At the same time, I know that I can’t have him forever because I don’t want to be branded as a gold digger. Or prove his Mom right.

“Gene…” si Tita Eliza na tila pinipigilan si Tito roon.
“It’s okay if you won’t answer it. I am just concerned. Maybe the root cause of all of these isn’t just you being there in Vista Grande, but also you being in a relationship with him.”

“But… I know what you mean, Tito. Dapat akong umiwas. Ang hirap lang gawin kasi gusto ko siya, despite the fact that it will destroy me,” I said a bit confused.

Tita Eliza nodded.

“It will really help if he’ll just vocally reject me or something. Or hurt me so I can just convince myself otherwise. Maybe it will help if he finds another woman?” I laughed to hide the slight pain my words gave me.
“Maybe resigning from your position could mean you can stay away from him, Zari. Mas dumami lang ang dahilan para umalis ka roon.”
“Pag-iisipan ko, Tito. If my plans go well, I won’t hesitate. If I have enough money, I’ll buy more shares until I get the majority.”

I only said that to comfort them now. I know how much they want me to stay away from the Riegos to spare our name. Ngunit hindi ko rin talaga kayang iwan ang Vista Grande. Or maybe, what I said is half true. If I’ll be successful somewhere, I’ll buy more shares, until I can finally leave being head.

Tumagal ang usapan namin ni Tita at Tito. I feel so comfortable with them. Nakakainit ng puso na kahit paano’y may mga taong naniniwala parin sa akin. We’re family and we’ll support each other in whatever we do. That alone speaks volume to me.

That even when people expects the worst from me, there are people who also believe.

Sometimes I get scared everytime I see someone looking at me. Even when their intention is to smile at me. Pero kalaunan ay nakasabay na rin ako.

Nilista ko ang mga kailangang gawin. Kailangan, pagdating ko sa isla, pupuntahan ko ang Planta ng ZAM. I’ll inquire from there and ask if they can deliver it to a near island. After that, I will ask a local boat to bring me to Isla Fuego.